Hotel Openings

📌 Accor and Mayan Properties are set to expand in Sub-Saharan Africa, announcing plans for five new hotels totaling over 1,100 keys. Signed projects include Novotel Nouakchott in Mauritania with 154 keys and Mövenpick Moroni in Comoros with 159 keys. Accor operates more than 175 properties in Africa, with over 33,000 keys under 15 brands and more than 60 properties in development. This UAE-backed initiative highlights growing interest in Africa’s tourism sector.

🏠 LAS VEGAS, November 2025: MGM Grand Hotel & Casino completed a $300 million renovation of 3,969 rooms and suites. The remodel includes 111 new suites, increasing the total to 753. Upgrades feature integrated illuminated closets, enhanced blackout drapery, and upgraded media consoles. Suite sizes range from 675 to 1,784 square feet. Interiors by Gensler and MGM Resorts Design & Development highlight comfort and functionality, incorporating Smart TVs, charging stations, and custom artwork. Rooms reflect guest feedback for improved style and utility.

📍 Lodgco Hospitality has taken over management of the 82-room Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. Situated near the Lenovo Center and North Carolina State University, the hotel offers a fitness center, outdoor pool, meeting space, and an on-site restaurant and bar. The partnership, announced by Scott Stuart of Lodgco Hospitality and Minesh Patel of Beyond Hospitality, aims to enhance property performance. Lodgco operates hotels under Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt across the U.S.

🏨 Homewood Suites by Hilton Lake Buena Vista – Orlando, operated by HEI Hotel & Resorts, is finalizing a $6 million renovation of its 130 suites and public spaces. Located in Orlando, it's a 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld. The upgrades include new furnishings, lighting, and flooring in key areas. Each suite now features updated kitchens and living spaces, while the hotel offers amenities like a 24/7 fitness center, outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.

🏨 Habyt, one of Europe's largest flex-living operators, launched Atipico Hotels, debuting in Madrid. Founder Luca Bovone cites this as a natural evolution from Habyt Flex launched earlier this year. Atipico targets markets in Portugal and Italy, leveraging Habyt's extensive development and operational experience. As the flex-living model faces challenges, Habyt aims for sustainable growth by balancing community-focused coliving with short, medium, and long-term stays to avoid pitfalls like Sonder's collapse.

🏖 IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened InterContinental Halong Bay Resort in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort offers 275 rooms, suites, and villas, along with six restaurants, a spa, and various recreational amenities, including three pools and a kids' club. Culinary highlights include the 10th-floor Roku & Star Bar and Marina Kitchen. The architecture by WATG and interiors by P49Design showcase local heritage. Event spaces include the Tonkin and Cat Ba Ballrooms.

🏨 Ardbeg House, a luxury hotel on Islay, Scotland, opens with 12 themed bedrooms inspired by Ardbeg distillery. A Stannah Stairiser CR2 lift ensures accessibility to upper floors. Designed with Russell Sage Studio and over 20 architects, it features interactive elements like "Press for Smoke." The compact lift, installed in two days, accommodates wheelchairs with an 800mm x 1000mm platform. Challenges included ferry transport and tight space. Custom green paint matches the hotel's decor.

🏨 Scheduled for February 2026, the K West Hotel in West London will transform into Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherd’s Bush. This strategic shift follows a 2023 agreement between Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The revamped hotel will feature 231 rooms, a restaurant, bar, and wellness space. Inspired by its past as BBC’s Kensington House recording studios, it honors its musical legacy. Situated near cultural hotspots, it targets travelers seeking cultural experiences.

🏨 Crowne Plaza Budva is set to open in Budva's Slovenska obala promenade, offering 81 rooms, a sea-view restaurant, and meeting spaces. Developed with Uniprom Hoteli, it strengthens IHG's Adriatic presence. IHG operates 12 hotels in the Balkans, with 10 more in development. The project supports Montenegro's tourism growth, alongside global brands like Hyatt and Accor. Crowne Plaza brand has over 400 properties globally, enhancing its hybrid travel offerings.

🏖 The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts signed a management agreement with The Godwin Group for The Leela Jaisalmer, opening in 2026 on 30 acres in Rajasthan. Located near Jaisalmer Fort, the resort will have 80 rooms, tented villas, a spa, and a ballroom. It enhances itineraries with The Leela Palace Udaipur and Jaipur. Currently, The Leela operates 13 properties with 3,544 rooms, with plans to expand to 23 properties, including Jaisalmer.